How to Find Real Scholarships (and Avoid Getting Scammed)

Scholarship season brings opportunity—and unfortunately, scammers. Every year, families lose money to fake “award” programs. Here’s how to spot real funding opportunities and avoid the traps.

Sections:

1. The Most Reliable Sources

   • studentaid.gov, Fastweb, College Board’s BigFuture, local credit unions, verified nonprofit foundations.

2. Common Red Flags

   • Any request for payment or “deposit.”

   • Promises of “guaranteed awards.”

   • Requests for Social Security numbers outside official portals.

3. How to Verify Legitimacy

   • Check domain extensions (.gov, .edu).

   • Look for contact info and public winner lists.

4. Pro Tips for Applying

   • Use one well-written essay to apply for several programs.

   • Set a scholarship calendar for recurring deadlines.

5. JBH Support for Students & Parents

   • Guidance sessions to verify offers and review essays.

   • Secure upload for verification docs inside the JBH Client Portal.

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JBH Financial Services